One way restraint apparatus



Nov. 29, 1966 E. H. REPLOGLE 3,288,254

ONE WAY RESTRAINT APPARATUS Original Filed Sept. 12, 1963 5 Sheets-Sheet1 w"."...'...'II

INVENTOR.

EDWARD H. REPLOGLE BYpW ATTORNE YS Nov. 29, 1966 E. H. REPLOGLE ONE WAYRESTRAINT APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Sept. 12 1963lllllfillll"IIIIIIlIIIIlII/kIIIIlIllIiI II/I IIIIIII IIIilli;HIHIIHIIHHIIIIHIElillllllllllllll a:mmmumlmmu INVENTOR.

EgNARD H. REPLOGLE O *Tf ATTORNEYS Nov. 29, 1966 E. H. REPLOGLE ONE WAYRESTRAINT APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed Sept. 12 1963INVENTOR.

EDWARD H. REPLOGLE ATTF Nov. 29, 1966- E. H. REPLOGLE ONE WAY RESTRAINTAPPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Original Filed Sept. 12 1963 INVENTOR.

EDWARD H. REPLOGLE Nov. 29, 1966 E. H. REPLOGLE ONE WAY RESTRAINTAPPARATUS Original Filed Sept. 12 1965 United States Patent G 3,288,254ONE WAY RESTRAINT APPARATUS Edward H. Replogle, Buffalo, N.Y., assignorto American afety Equipment Corporation, New York, N.Y., a corporationof New York Original application Sept. 12, 1963, Ser. No. 308,591, nowPatent No. 3,174,704, dated Mar. 23, 1965. Divided and this applicationFeb. 4, 1965, Ser. No. 464,253 9 Claims. (Cl. 188-823) This applicationis a division of my copending application Serial No. 308,591, now PatentNo. 3,174,704 issued March 23, 1965.

This invention relates to improvements in restraint apparatus, and moreparticularly to such apparatus of the type associated with a passengersupporting seat in a vehicle such as an automobile or airplane andincluding a restraining element such as a belt which engages the body ofthe passenger and is effective to hold him to the seat during rapiddeceleration.

An important object of the present invention is to provide suchrestraint apparatus in which the restraining element when worn by apassenger is in a normally locked-up condition whereby the restrainingelement is prevented from being payed out or protracted further.

Another object is to provide such restraint apparatus in which therestraining element when not in use is retained in a retracted conditionfrom which it can be protracted to any extent desired for use.

Another object ,is to provide such restraint apparatus in which therestraining element is constantly biased toward full retraction so thatwhen manually protracted for use and manually released the restrainingelement will automatically adjust to fit the particular wearer.

Still another object is to provide such restraint apparatus in which therestraining element when to be used is allowed to be over-protractedmanually a first time from a fully retracted condition so as to enablethe element to be fastened about the wearers body, following which whenunhanded there is some automatic retraction to take up slacks in fittingthe wearers body which renders the restraining element incapable ofbeing protraoted to any extent a second time.

Another aim of the invention is to provide such re straint apparatus inwhich the restraining element can be released from its normallylocked-up condition so as to free the wearer, by unfastening therestraining element and allowing it to retract substantially fully,following which it is capable of being protracted manually again to anydesired extent.

Another object is to provide such restraint apparatus which isrelatively simple in construction, inexpensive to manufacture and notlikely to get out of order or require repairs.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear fromthe ensuing detailed description of several embodiments thereofillustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view on a diminutive scale of restraintapparatus constructed in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention and showing a reel structure constituting one embodimentthereof associated with a passenger carrying seat represented inphantom, several of such reel structures being illustrated.

FIG. 2 is the vertical central longitudinal sectional view, on anenlarged scale, of one of the reel structures shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a vertical transverse sectional view thereof taken on line 33of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is another vertical transverse sectional view thereof taken online 44 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is still another vertical transverse sectional view thereof takenon line 5-5 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is yet another vertical transverse sectional view thereof takenon line 6-6 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view thereof taken on line7-7 of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 8-11 are transverse sectional views severally similar generally toFIG. 5 but illustrating the various parts in different positions duringdifferent phases of operation of the apparatus whereby these viewsdepict a sequence of operation; FIG. 8 illustrating the condition of theparts :as the restraining element approaches full retraction, FIG. 9illustrating the condition of the parts during partial first protractionof the restraining element, FIG. 10 illustrating the condition of theparts during subsequent partial retraction of the restraining element,FIG. 11 illustrating the condition of the pants during subsequentattempted protraction of the'restraining element.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view on a diminutive scale of restraintapparatus constructed in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention and showing one form of linear structure constituting a secondembodiment thereof associated with a passenger carrying seat representedin phantom, several of such linear structures being illustrated.

FIG. 13 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view, on an enlarged scale,of one of the linear structures shown in FIG. 12 and illustratingcertain internal parts in elevation with portions broken away to revealhidden structure, the'pawl member being shown in a positioncorresponding to full retraction of the restraining element.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the slidable pawl member andassociated deactivator means shown in FIG. 13.

.FIG. 15 is a further enlarged vertical transverse sectional view of thelinear structure shown in FIG. 13 and taken on line 1515 thereof.

.FIG. 16 is a fragmentary vertical central longitudinal sectional viewthereof taken on line 16--16 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17' is a fragmentary vertical longitudinal sectional view thereoftaken on line 17-17 of FIG. 15 and depicting the pawl member andassociated deactivator means in a condition corresponding to fullretraction of the restraining element.

FIGS. 18*21 are views similar to FIG. 17 but showing the slidable pawlmember and associated deactivator means in different longitudinalpositions along the elongated housing and in different positionsrelative thereto whereby these views depict a sequence of operation;FIG. 18 illustrating the condition of the parts when the restrainingelement is being first protracted, FIG. 19 illustr-ating the conditionof the parts during subsequent partial retraction of the restrainingelement, FIG. 20 illustrating the condition of the parts duringsubsequent a-ttempted protraction of the restraining element, and FIG.21 illustrating the condition of the parts during subsequent partialretraction of the restraining element.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view similar to theleft-hand portion of FIG. 13 but illustrating a modified construction oflinear type restraining apparatus and therefore constituting a thirdembodiment of the present invention, the pawl member being shown in aposition corresponding to full retraction of the restraining element. I

FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 22 but showing the slidable pawlmember and associated deactivator means in an intermediate positionalong the elongated housing and illustrating their condition when therestraining element is being first and partially protracted.

FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIGS. 22 and 23 but illustraining theslidable pawl member and associated deactivator means in an extremelyrightward position with respect to the elongated housing and depictingtheir condition when the restraining element has been fully protracted.

FIG. 25 is a view similar to FIG. 23 but illustrating the position ofthe slidable pawl member and associated deactivator means with respectto each other and also with respect to an intermediate portion of theelongated housing during subsequent partial reaction of the restrainingelement.

FIG. 26 is a vertical transverse sectional view of the restraintapparatus shown in FIG. 22 and taken on line 2626 thereof.

FIGS. 1-11 The inventive restraint apparatus is illustrated in FIGS.1-11 as embodied in a reel type structure. The reel structure isrepresented generally by the numeral 30 in FIG. 1 and three such reedstructures are illustrated, the additional two being designated 30a and30b. A restraining element 31 shown as a length of strap is operativelyassociated with the reel structure 30. The outer or free end of thisstrap 31 carries one element of a disconnectable and separabletwo-element buckle indicated generally at 32, the other element of whichis suitably connected to the end of a second strap 33. The opposite endof this strap 33 is suitably fastened to an attaching bracket 34.

The reel structure 30 and bracket 34 are suitably secured to the frame(not shown) of a vehicle behind a seat structure indicated at 35 andadjacent one end thereof. This seat structure 35 is shown as including aseat portion 35s and a back portion 35b forming a joint 35 therebetween.The bracket 34 is arranged toward the longitudinal center of the seatstructure, and the reel structure 30 adjacent the outer end thereof. Thefixed length of strap 33 projects through the joint 35 whereas the otherstrap 31 traverses the laterally outer end of the seat portion 35s.

The buckle 32 may be of any suitable construction. When its elements arejoined together so as to connect the straps 31 and 33 around the body ofa wearer sitting on the seat structure 35 adjacent the corresponding endthereof, the right end as viewed in FIG. 1, a safety belt is provided sothat the strap 31 is prevented from further protraction followingadjustment to suit the body of the wearer, as more fully explained laterherein. Thus when in use the safety belt is in a normally lockedupcondition.

The reel structure 30a is shown arranged toward the longitudinal centerof the seat structure 35, and the reel structure 30b adjacent the outerend thereof, so that these reel structures are arranged laterally onopposite sides of a person who would occupy the left end portion of theseat structure 35, as viewed in FIG. 1. A restraining element 31a shownas a length of strap is operatively associated with the reel structure30a. Another restraining element 33a shown as a length of strap isoperatively associated with the reel structure 30b. A disconnectabletwo-element buckle indicated generally at 32a has its elements severallyconnected to the outer or free ends of the straps 31a and 33a. The reelstructures 30a and 30b are suitably secured to the vehicle frame (notshown) behind the seat structure 35. The strap 31a projects upwardly andforwardly through the joint 35], whereas the strap 33a traverses thecorresponding laterally outer end of the seat portion 35s.

The buckle 32a may be of any suitable construction. When its elementsare joined together so as to connect the straps 31a and 33a around thebody of the wearer occupying the corresponding seat end portion, asafety belt is provided so that the straps 31a and 33a are preventedfrom further individual protraction following adjustment to fit the bodyof the wearer, as more fully explained later herein. Thus when in usethe safety belt provided by the connected straps 31 and 33a is in a nor-Each of the various straps 31, 31a and 33a is a protractile andretractile restraining element the effective length of which dependsupon the extent to which the strap is protracted from the housing of thecorresponding reel structures 30, 30a or 3%. Since these reel structuresare identical in construction, only a detailed description of the reelstructure 30 will be given and it is intended to be equally applicableto and descriptive of the other reel structures 30a and 30b.

The reel structure 30 has a frame shown as including a channel member 37having a base portion 38 and upstanding integral flange or side wallportions 39 and 40. The frame also includes a first upstanding end wall41 and a second upstanding end wall 42 spaced from the end wall 41.These end walls 41 and 42 are arranged slightly inwardly of and adjacentthe opposite ends of the channel member 37 between the side walls 39'and 40 thereof. Each of the end walls 41 and 42 includes an outwardlyextending integral flange 43 which extends not only over the baseportion 38 but also extends along the side wall portions 3? and 40, asshown in FIG. 6. These flanges 43 are shown as fastened to the side wallportions 30 and 40 by rivets 44, two such rivets being employed tosecure each flange 43, as best shown in FIG. 6.

A pair of holes 36 is provided through the channel base 38 andsuperposed flange 43 at each end of the structure so that fasteningdevices such as bolts (not shown) may be inserted through these holesfor fastening the reel structure 30 to the vehicle frame (not shown). InFIG. 1, an adapter bracket 29 is shown as arranged under each of thereel structures 30, 30a and 30b for supporting the same in a forwardlyand downwardly inclined position so that tangential pay-out of thestraps 31, 31a and 33a directs these straps to ward the joint 35 Anyother suitable type of mounting may be employed.

The approximate upper half portion of each of the end walls 41 and 42extends above the top edges of the channel flanges 39 and 40 and has agenerally semi-circular outline when viewed from the end of the reelstructure, as shown in FIGS. 3-6 and 8-11. A cover plate 45 is shown asengaging these generally semi-circular upper edges and as overlappingthe channel flange portions 39 and 40, being secured thereto by one ormore screws 46 on each side.

Thus the end walls 41, 42 and the cover 45 provide a compartment 48 inwhich a reel indicated generally at 49 is housed. The reel 49 is shownas comprising a spool having a sleeve 50 and axially spaced integral endheads 51 and 52. The sleeve 50 has a longitudinal slot 53 extending forits full length between its end heads 51 and 52 through which the loopedend portion 54 of the strap 31 is partially inserted. This strap 31 maybe made of any suitable material so as to be flexible whereby it may bewound around the reel sleeve 50 as shown in FIG. 4 and also strongenough to withstand the loading to which it may be subjected in use. Theloop 54 may be formed in any suitable manner. The strap 31 extendsthrough an opening 55 provided in the cover 45 adjacent the top and oneside of the longitudinal center thereof, this opening extendingarcuately in the direction of curvature of the cover for some extent topermit the strap as it extends through the opening to assume a widevariety of angular dispositions. The opening 55 also extendslongitudinally of the reel so as to be slightly longer than the width ofthe strap, as shown in FIG. 2. a

The reel 49 is supported for rotation about a horizontal axis, as viewedin FIG. 2. While this may be accomplished in any suitable manner, themeans for effecting this are shown as comprising a stationarycylindrical axle 57 one end of which extends through a circular hole 58provided in the end wall 41. Immediately inwardly of the end wall 41,the spool end head 51 is shown as extended radially inwardly of theinside diameter of the sleeve 50 and extended axially outwardly toprovide an integral hub portion 59 which engagingly surrounds the axle57 and is journalled thereon. The other spool end head 52 is shown ashaving an integral radially inwardly extending inner hub portion 60engagingly surrounding the axle 57 and an outer integral hub portion 61of smaller inside diameter. The bores of the hub portion 60 and 61 areconnected by a frusto-conical section 62 adapted to engage afrusto-conical transition section 63 formed on the axle 57. Acylindrical reduced diameter axle end portion 64 extends coaxiallyoutwardly from the transition section 63 and is peripherally engaged bythe inner cylindrical surface of the outer hub portion 61. The outer hubportion 61 extends outwardly through a hole 65 provided in the end wall42 and has a cylindrical periphery which engages the wall surface ofthis hole 65 whereby the corresponding end portion of the reel isjournalled on this end wall. Thus the axle 57 is intended to bestationary and the reel 49 rotates thereon, engaging the same by the hubportion 5961; and this reel rotates relative to the frame, beingjournalled in the end wall bearing holes 58 and 65.

The diametrically and axially largest part of the axle 57 extendsthrough the opening provided in strap loop 54. Any other suitable modeof fastening the inner end of the strap 31 to the reel 49 may beemployed.

Means are provided for constantly urging the strap 31 to a fullyretracted or predetermined woundup condition on the reel 49. While suchmeans may be variously constructed, the same is shown as comp-rising aspiral leaf spring 68 arranged within a cup-shaped casing indicatedgenerally at 72. The inner convolution of this spring surrounds theouter hub portion 61 and the inner extremity of this spring is shown asconnected to this hub portion by a radial pin 69 which extends through ahole provided in the spring end and is partially received in a recessprovided in the hub portion 61.

The outer extremity of the spiral spring 68 is shown as riveted at 70 tothe circular side wall 71 of the casing 72 which also has an end wall 73provided centrally with a hole 74 through which the free end portion ofthe reduced axle portion 64 extends. The latter is provided with anannular groove immediately outside the end wall 73 in which groove asplit retaining ring 75 of conventional construction is partiallyarranged. This split ring 75 partially overlaps the casing end wall 73.In this manner, the axle 57 is held against leftward axial displacementwith respect to the reel 49 and its frame, as viewed in FIG. 2, and theengaging shoulders 62 and 63 prevent righthand movement of the axlerelative to the reel. The outer end face of the hub 61 of the reelclosely opposes the inner surface of the casing end wall 73 to preventrightward movement of the reel relative to the frame.

The rim of the cup-shaped casing 72 engages the axially facing outersurface of the end wall 42 and this casing is suitably fastened to thisend wall. For this purpose, the casing is shown as provided with a pairof diametrically opposed hook-shaped lugs 77 which extend axiallyoutwardly from the casing rim, being preferably formed integrallytherewith, and these lugs are severally adapted to penetrate slot 78provided in the end wall 42. The lugs 77 are adapted to hook over themarginal portion of wall 42 at one edge of the corresponding slot 78, asbest shown in FIG. 7. This is effected by first inserting the lugsthrough the slots and rotating the casing 72 rela tive to the end wall42 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 6. Further, it willbe seen that the circular side wall 71 of the casing 72 is constantlyurged to rotate in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 6 soas to retain the offset ends of the lugs 77 hooked over the end wall 42,as shown in FIG. 7.

With further reference to FIG. 6, it will be seen that when protractingor pulling out strap 31, the reel 49 including its outer hub portion 61is rotated in a counterclockwise direction so as further to wind up andload the spiral leaf spring 68. Even when the strap 31 is in a fullyretracted condition the spring 68 is preferably preloaded in a directionto urge further retraction.

One-Way stop means are provided to be inoperative to prevent protractionof the strap 31 from a predetermined retracted condition in which it ispartially stowed within the reel housing but rendered operative toprevent protraction of the strap after partial retraction thereof. Whilesuch means may be variously constructed, the same are shown ascomprising engageable and disengageable lock members 79 and 80. The lockmember 79 is shown in the form of a toothed ratchet wheel preferablyformed integrally with the spool end head 51 and including a pluralityof circumferentially spaced teeth 87. Each tooth has a radial abutmentsurface 67 and a part-a-rcuate and part-chordal cam surface 97. Asshown, the ratchet wheel 79 is arranged laterally outwardly of the endhead 51 between the same and the end wall 41. The ratchet teeth 87 areconcentrically formed with respect to the longitudinal axis of the axle57. I

The other lock member 80 is shown as being a pawl, one element of amovable assembly indicated generally at 81. Besides the pawl 88, theassembly 81 is shown as comprising a shaft 82 arranged generallyparallel and eccentric to the axle 57, a deactivator arm 83, adeactivator finger '84, and a sensor arm 85. The shaft 82 extendsbetween the end walls 41 and 42 and is suitably journallled in bearingholes provided therein, one of which holes is shown at 86 in FIG. 6.

The pawl 80 is arranged opposite the ratchet wheel 79 and is shown ashaving an abutment end face 88 on its outer or free end and a cam face89 on its side opposite the ratchet wheel. When the pawl is moved sothat its free end is swung toward the ratchet wheel 79, the abut, mentfaces 67 and 88 are adapted to engage each other as shown by dottedlines in FIG. 11, if the Wheel 79 is urged to rotate in acounterclockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 11. On the otherhand, if this wheel 79 is rotated in a clockwise direction, the camsurfaces 97 and 89 will engage and ratchet one on the other to allowsuch movement of this Wheel.

The deactivator arm 83 is disposed opposite the inner hub portion 68 ofthe reel 49 which has a cylindrical peripheral surface 90 which acts asa friction drum for a purpose explained later herein.

The sensor arm is arranged on the shaft 82 intermediate the pawl 80 andthe deactivator arm 83. This sensor arm 85 is shown as having a slightlycurved outer end portion 91 adapted to bear against and slidably engagethe periphery of the outermost convolution of the strap 31 wound aroundthe sleeve 50 of the reel 49.

The pawl 80, deactivator arm 83 and sensor arm 85 are all fast to theshaft 82 so as to move therewith as a unitary assembly. This assembly 81is urged to pivot about the longitudinal axis of the shaft 82 so as tomove the upper or free ends of the various parts 80, 83 and 85 towardthe reel 49. While this may be achieved in any suitable manner, themeans for effecting this are shown as including a preloaded helicaltension spring 92 one end of which is hooked into a hole 93 provided inthe deactivator arm 83 intermediate its ends, and the outer end of whichis hooked over an anchor pin 94 suitably mounted on the end wall 42 andextending axially inwardly therefrom.

The assembly 81 is shown as limited in the extent to which it can pivotor swing in an opposite direction about the longitudinal axis of shaft82. As shown in FIG. 5, a stop pin 95, which may be suitably mounted onthe end wall 42 and shown as extending axially inwardly therefrom, isadapted to be engaged by the deactivator arm 83 adjacent its free end onthe side thereof remote from the reel 49.

The deactivator finger 84 has one end suitably pivotally connected tothe outer end of the deactivator arm 83. For this purpose, the arms 83and 84 are shown as overlapping each other and pivotal'ly connected by apivot pin 96 the axis of which is generally parallel to that of theshaft 82. The other end of the deactivator finger 84 is provided with aconcave end face 98 which is joined to one straight side edge 99 of thefinger by a rounded corner portion indicated at 100.

In explaining the operation of the form of the invention shown in FIGS.1-11, it is first assumed that the strap 31 is approaching its fullyretracted condition as depicted in FIG. 8. As there shown, the reel 49is rotating in a clockwise direction, so that the radial thickness ofthe portion of the strap wound around the reel 49 is sufiicient toengage the sensor arm 85. Such engagement displaces the movable assembly81 in a counterclockwise direction about the axis of shaft 82 to themaximum extent permitted by the stop pin 95 being engaged 'by thedeactivator arm 83. As the strap 31 approaches its fully retractedcondition, even though the friction drum 90 is being rotated in aclockwise direction so as to have a frictional contact with the fingerface 98, the weight of this finger overcomes this frictional effect sothat this face 98 slides on the drum surface 90 to maintain the fingerin the position shown in FIG. 8. In such position the finger 84 is inits maximum pivotal position in a clockwise direction relative to thedeactivator arm 83 about the axis of pivot pin 96. The end face 98 ofthe deactivator finger 84 may be considered to engage the drum surface90 at a place laterally of and above an imaginary line connecting thelongitudinal axis of axle 57 and that of pivot pin 96.

Assume now that the strap 31 is starting to be pulled [from itsaforesaid fully retracted position. What then happens is depicted inFIG. 9. With protraction of the strap 31, the reel 49 rotates in acounterclockwise direction. The frictional engagement between its drumsurface 90 and the finger end face 98 tends to pivot the finger 84relative to the deactivator arm 83 in a clockwise direction about theaxis of pivot pin 96 but such further pivotal movement cannot occurbecause the deactivator arm 83 is already engaging the stop pin 95. Thefinger 84 thus remains in the position shown in FIG. 9.

It will be note-d that during continued protraction of the strap 31 theeffective diameter of the portion of the strap wound around the reel 49decreases so as to termi nate contact bet-ween the outermost strapconvolution and the sensor arm 85. Notwithstanding such separation, thefinger 84 acts as a strut eifective to hold the pawl 80 out ofengagement with the ratchet wheel '79. Thus the arm 83 and finger 84serve as a deactivator means operative to maintain the assembly 81 in aposition in which the pawl 80 is held out of engagement with the ratchetwheel 79.

At this juncture, it is to be observed that the first protraction justdescribed is that which attends the seat occupant first pulling thestrap 31 outward-1y from the reel structure 30 to fasten the strap abouthis body. This initial protraction of the strap is naturally excessiveso as to enable the elements of the buckle 32 to be connected together.Following connection of the buckle elements, the strap 31 is manuallyreleased whereupon the action of the retraction spring 68 rotates thereel in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 36 and 8-11 until thebelt provided by the joined strap portions 31 and 33 adjusts itself tothe girth of the wearers body. This partial retraction of the strap 31will produce the following operation.

It is during this partial retraction that the friction drum 90 rotatesin a clockwise direction, as depicted specifically in FIG. 10. Duringthis small amount of retraction the frictional engagement between thedrum surface 90 and deactivator finger face 98 is such as to pivot thisfinger in a counterclockwise direction relative to the deactivator arm83 about the axis of the pivot pin 96. During such counterclockwisepivotal movement and with the added urging of the spring 92, the finger84 first rolls on the drum about the curved corner edge portion and thenslides on the straight side edge portion 99, this latter condition beingdepicted in FIG. 11. Thus the effectiveness of the deactivator finger 84as a strut to hold the pawl 80 out of engagement with the ratchet wheel79, is destroyed. Rather, the aforementioned counterclockwise movementof the finger 84 to its inoperative position illustrated in FIG. 11allows the pawl 80 to swing toward and into engagement with the ratchetWheel 79. Such engagement between the members 79 and 80 preventssubsequent protraction of the strap 31. This is caused by the faces 67and 88 on the wheel 79 and pawl 88, respectively, abutting each other.This is the normally locked-up condition of the strap 31 when worn as .abelt by the passenger occupying the right hand portion of the seatstructure 35 shown in FIG. 1. This normally locked-up condition givesthe wearer a sense of security since he is positively restrained evenfrom voluntarily moving forwardly so as to attempt to protract the beltstrap 31 still further.

The wearer can readily free himself from the restraining effect of thestrap 31. This is accomplished by manipulating and separating thetwo-element buckle 32, following which/the strap 31 is retractedautomatically by the spring 68 to a fully retracted condition in whichthe free end of the strap 31 is disposed closely adjacent the front sideof the seat joint 35 so as to be readily accessible for reuse.

During each full retraction, as the strap 31 is wound around the reel 49the efiective diameter increases so as to reestablish contact betweenthe outermost strap convolution and the sensor arm 85. As this occursand is maintained the sensor arm 85 swings the movable assembly 81 in acounterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis of shaft 82thereby swinging the pawl 80 out of engagement with the ratchet wheel79. At the same time, the deactivator finger 84 is urged by its weightto rotate in a clockwise direction relative to the deactivator arm 83about the axis of pivot pin 96 until it will ultimately resume itsposition depicted in FIG. 8.

It will thus be noted that the arm 83 and finger 84 act as means todeactivate the ratchet and pawl mechanism 79, 80 during the firstprotraction of 'the strap 31 immediately following full retractionthereof but such deactivator means are rendered inoperative upon partialretraction of the strap 31. Such rendering inoperative of thedeactivator means allows the ratchet and pawl mechanism to becomeoperative toprevent subsequent protraction of the strap 31, unless suchstrap has first been substantially fully retracted.

It will further be noted that as the strap 31 approaches its fullyretracted condition, the sensor arm 85 acts as a means to reactivate thedeactivator means comprising the arm 83 and finger 84.

FIGS. 12-2 1 The inventive restraint apparatus as illustrated in FIGS.12-21 is embodied in one form of a linear type structure. The structureis represented generally by the numeral and four such linear structuresare illustrated, the additional three being designated 105a, 10512 and1050. A restraining element 106 shown as a length of strap isoperatively associated with the linear structure 105. The outer or freeend of this strap 106 carries one element 107 of a disconnectable andseparable two-element buckle, the other element 108 of which is suitablyconnected to the outer or free end of a second strap 106a which isoperatively associated with the linear structure 105a.

In similar manner, the linear structure 105b has a strap 1061) providedat its outer or free end with its buckle element 107a. The linearstructure 1050 has operatively associated therewith a strap 106a to theouter or free end of which is connected the other buckle element 108a.

The linear structures 105 and 105a are shown as arranged generallyhorizontally under the seat portion 109s of a seat structure indicatedgenerally at 109 which also includes a back portion 109]). The portions109s and 10% form the usual joint 109i therebetween. The linearstructures 105 and 105:: are arranged to serve a person sitting betweenthem at the remote end of the seat portion 10% as viewed in FIG. 12, thestructure 105a being disposed toward the longitudinal center of the seatportion 109s and the structure 105 being adjacent the laterally outerend thereof. The straps 106 and 106a are shown as extending upwardly andforwardly through the joint 109 In order to illustrate the flexibilityof mounting the linear structures, those designated 105b and 1050 areshown as being disposed generally upright along the rear side of theback portion 10917 of the seat structure 109. If desired, these linearstructures 10517 and 1050 may even be arranged within the back portion10%. In either event, the respective straps 10Gb and 1060 are shown asextending forwardly and upwardly through the joint 109 and are arrangedto serve a person sitting on the near end portion of the seat 109a, asviewed in FIG. 12.

The buckles represented by the corresponding pairs of elements 107, 108and 107a, 108a may be of any suitable construction. When the elements107 and 108 are joined together so as to connect the straps 106 and 106aaround the body of the wearer sitting on the seat portion 109a betweenthe linear structures 105 and 105a, a safety belt is provided so thatthese straps are prevented from further protraction following theirrespective adjustments to suit the body of the wearer, as more fullyexplained later herein. In similar fashion, when the buckle elements107a and 108:: are joined together in front of the body of a personsitting on the seat portion 109s between the linear structures 10% and105e, a second safety belt is provided so that the straps 10611 and1136c are prevented severally from further protraction followingindividual adjustment to suit the body of the wearer, as will also beapparent from the fuller explanation later herein. Thus when in use thesafety belts so provided are each in a normally locked-up condition.

Each of the various straps 106, 1060, 106]) and 1060 is a protractile orretractile restraining element the effective length of which dependsupon the extent to which the strap is protracted from the elongatedhousing of the corresponding linear structure 105, 105a, 1051; and 1050.Since these linear structures are identical in construction, only adetailed description of the linear structure 105 will be given and it isintended to be equally applicable to and descriptive of the other linearstructures 105a, 1951) and 105C.

The linear structure 105 has a frame shown as including a channel member110 having a base portion 111 and transversely spaced upstandingintegral flange or side wall portions 112. The upper end of each ofthese side walls 112 is shown as having an inwardly turned integralhorizontal flange 113, these flanges severally having lower surfaces 117which are coplanar. The open upper end of the channel member 110 isshown as closed by an inner cover 114 and an outer cover 115. Thesecovers have superposed horizontal marginal portions along theirlongitudinal edges which overlay the i-nturned flanges 113 and thisstacked assembly is held together by a series of longitudinally spacedscrews 116. The central portions of the inner cover 114 is shown aslongitudinally depressed as indicated at 118. The central longitudinalportion of the outer cover 115 is transversely arched upwardly asindicated at 119. This provides a longitudinally extending upper space120 between the covers 114 and 115.

One end of the channel member 110 is closed by an end wall 121. Theother end is closed by a second end wall 122 which extends downwardlyand is joined to laterally spaced gusset plates 123 to provide anattaching bracket indicated generally at 124. The end wall 122 andgusset plates 123 are preferably secured to the channel member 110 bywelding. Between the gusset plates 123 10 is shown a bolt 125 forattaching the linear structure to the vehicle frame represented by theelement 126. Any other suitable mode of attaching the linear structure105 to the vehicle frame may be employed.

Adjacent the end wall 122, the covers 114 and are provided with anopening indicated at 128 in which a spool or guide roller 129 isarranged for rotation about the axis of a transverse axle 130 the endsof which are suitably mounted on the side wall portions 112 of thechannel member 110. Passing through the opening 128 and around the spool129 is the strap 106. As previously explained, the outer or free end ofthis strap 106 carries the buckle element 107. The inner end of thisstrap 106 is suitably connected to a pawl member indicated generally at131. This pawl member 131 is slidable longitudinally of the elongatedhousing 132 provided by the channel member 110 with its inner cover 114.

The pawl member 131 is a component of irreversible one-way stop meansinoperative to prevent initial protraction of the strap 106 from a fullyretracted condition in which this strap is partially stowed within thehousing 132, but rendered operative to be further protracted afterpartial retraction of the strap. Other components of such one-way stopmeans include a plurality of ratchet teeth severally indicated at 113arranged on the central depressed portion 118 of the inner cover 114.These ratchet teeth 133 are shown as lugs struck out from the sheetmetal of which the cover 114 is fabricated and severally inclinedownwardly and to the left as viewed in FIG. 13, or toward the startingposition of the pawl member 131 when the trap 106 is in a fullyretracted condition, as illustrated in such figure. Each of the lugs 113has an abutment end face 134 and a downwardly facing inclined camsurface 135.

The lugs or teeth 133 are arranged in a row one after the otherbeginning adjacent the opening 128 at the right end of the linearstructure as shown in FIG. 13, and continue to a point adjacent the leftend of this structure. To the left of the last end tooth 133 the centralportion of the cover 114 inclines downwardly and to the left with anelongated ramp surface 136 which intersects With a depressed horizontalsurface 138. This surface 138 is vertically spaced from and generallyparallel to the floor or upper surface 137 of the channel base portion111. A suitably secured transverse stop bar 139 extends across glgegleft end portion of the depressed horizontal surface Adjacent the spool129 the linear structure 105 is provided with a transverse stop bar 140in the form of a rod which extends between the side wall portions 112 ofthe channel member 110 and is suitably secured thereto. This second stop140 limits the extreme rightward travel of the pawl member 131 as viewedin FIG. 13, and corresponds to a fully protracted condition of the strap106.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the pawl member 131 is shown ascomprising a body of inverted U- shape in transverse cross-sectionhaving an intermediate horizontal flat top wall portion 141 from theopposite'longitudinal marginal edges of which depend integral verticalflanges 142. These downturned flanges 142 act as runners and each has anintermediate bottom edge portion 143 parallel to the upper surface ofthe top wall 141, an upwardly and rearwardly inclined rear bottom edgeportion 144 and 'an upwardly and forwardly inclined front bottom edgeportion 145.

The central front portion of the top wall 141 of the pawl member 131 isshown as having a straight transverse abutment face or edge 146 whichprojects forwardly with respect to the rearwardly inclined lateral edgeportions 148. The runners 142 are shown as extending forwardly of therear ends of the inclined front edges 148 of the top wall 141. Suchforwardly projecting portion of each runner 142 is shown as having anupwardly and rearwardly inclined top edge 140 which is generallyparallel to the rear bottom edge 144 of the corresponding runner. Thehigh -rear end of the top edges 149 extend above the upper surface ofthe top wall 141. The runners 142 adjacent their inclined rear bottomedges 144 are shown as carrying a transverse bar 150 which is suitablysecured at its opposite ends in these runners, such as by being arrangedin holes provided therein of similar configuration to thecross-sectional shape of the bar 150 .and staked or otherwise secured toprevent displacement from such holes. The inner end of the strap 106 isshown as formed with a loop indicated at 151 and surrounding thetransverse bar 150. This loop 151 may be formed in any suitable manneron the strap 106.

The pawl member 131 and the strap 106, by reason of the attachment ofthe latter to the former, are constantly urged to a fully retractedposition. While any suitable means may be provided for accomplishingthis, the means illustrated comprises an elastic shock cord 152. One endof this cord 152 is shown as looped and surrounding an anchor pin 157which depends from and is suitably centrally connected to the top wall141 of the pawl member 131 between the salient abutment end face 146 andthe transverse strap securing bar 150. This elastic cord 152 is shown aspassing around a grooved guide wheel or pulley 153 suitably journalle-don a bracket 154 which is suitably mounted on the housing end wall 121as by screws one of which is indicated at 155. The upper portion of thisguide wheel 153 extends through an opening provided in the inner cover114 so that an end portion of the elasticcord 152 can be housed withinthe upper compartment '120. The extremity of this housed portion of theelastic cord 152 is anchored to the structure frame in any suitablemanner as by the clip device 156 shown in FIG. 13. This clip device 156is suitably secured to the extremity of the elastic cord as by clarnpfingers and is hooked over the transverse base edge of the last tooth133 adjacent the opening 128.

Inasmuch as the pawl member 131 pivots on the fulcrum corners 147 formedby juncture of the corresponding bottom edge portions 143 and 144,thereby assuming different angular positions with respect to the elasticcord 152, the top wall 141 of the pawl member adjacent it rear end isshown as being centrally cut out, indicated at 158, to preventinterference with this cord. In this connection the portion of theelastic cord 152 adjacent the anchor pin 157 passes over and bearsdownwardly against the strap securing bar 150. Therefore, the effect ofthe constant ret-ractive force exerted upon the pawl member 131 by theelastic cord 152 is such as to produce a force component directeddownwardly against the pawl member in rear of its fulcrums 147 andthereby produce a couple constantly urging the pawl member to pivot in acounterclockwise direction about these fulcrums, as viewed in FIGS.16-21. Such pivotal bias of the pawl member 131 constantly urges itssalient abutment face 146 into a path of interference with the opposingabutment faces 134 on the several ratchet teeth 133.

Deactivator means are shown as arranged to hold the pawl member 131 outof effective locking engagement with the ratchet teeth 133 .at certaintimes. While such deactivator means may be variously constructed, thesame is shown as comprising a pair of deactivator fingers 160. Thesefingers 160 are laterally spaced from each other and arranged betweenthe upstanding front por tions of the side runners 142 of the pawlmember 131. The deactivator fingers 160 are similar in construction toeach other. Each is formed to provide a flat edge surface 161 joined bya rounded corner edge surface 162 to a second flat edge surface 163disposed at an angle to the first fiat surface 161. Both fingers 160 arefast to a horizontal transverse shaft 164 which is suitably journalledat its ends in bearing holes 1 65 provided in the. runners 142.

The finlger assembly comprising the two fingers 160 and shaft 164 arebiased to pivot in a counterclockwise direction relative to the pawlmember 131 about the horizontal transverse longitudinal axis of theshaft 164, as viewed in FIGS. 16-21, by suitable spring means. Whilesuch spring means may be variously constructed, the same are shown asincluding a wind-up spring 166 having a series of tconvolutions spirallywrapped around the transverse shaft 164 and at opposite ends is formedto provide radial arms 167 and 1 68 each having an outturned finger atits free end. The finger of arm 167 is received in a hole 169 providedin the adjacent deactivator finger 1-60. The finger of arm 168 isreceived in a hole 159 provided in the runner 142 adjacent the otherdeactivator finger 1:60. The bias of such spring 166 urging relativemovement between the fingers and pawl member 131 is relatively slight ascompared to the previously described fulcruming bias upon the pawlmember exerted by the elastic cord 152.

The operation of the linear form of the invention shown in FIGS. 12-21can best be understood by a specific consideration of FIGS. 17-21 whichdepict a sequence of operation. In FIG. 17, the pawl member 131 is inits starting position, also illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 16, in which therear or left end of the pawl member .abuts against the left stop 139. Inthis position the spacing between the opposing surfaces 137 and 138 isabout equal to the height of the pawl member as measured between therunner bottom edges 143 and the upper surface of the top wall 141 sothat the pawl member is held by the surface 138 downwardly against thechannel floor 13-7, but the pawl member can be readily pulledlongitudinally out of such narrow spacing. Also, in this position of thepawl member the deactivator fingers 160 will have pivoted so as to bringtheir fiat edges 161 into engagement with the lower horizontal surfaces117 of the inturned channel flanges 113, such pivotal movement beingurged by the spring 166. This condition of the parts is illustrated inFIG. 17.

Assume now that the strap 106 is protracted. This will pull the pawlmember 1311 out of the vertically narrow space between the opposingsurfaces 137 and 138, as depicted in FIG. 18. The sliding frictionalcontact between the deactivator finger edges 1-61 and the frame surfaces117 tends to rotate the fingers 160 in a counterclockwise directionrelative to the pawl member 131 about the axis of transverse shaft 164.These fingers 1611' act as struts and serve to maintain the intermediatebottom edge portions 143 of the pawl runners 142 in sliding contact withthe fl'oor surface 137 whereby the pawls salient abutment end face 146is held below and out of engagement with the ratchet teeth ;133.Accordingly, the strap 106 isfree to be protracted to any extentdesired.

Assume now that after some prot-raction of the strap 106, as would beoccasioned by the user first pulling out the strap 106 to fasten thebuckle elements 107 and 108, there is some retraction permitted as whenthe user releases the joined'stra-ps 106 and 106a to allow the slack inthe belt so provided to be taken up. An early stage of such retractionis depicted in FIG. 19. As there shown, the deactivator finger 160 hasbegun to be pivoted in a clockwise direction relative to the pawl member131 about the axis of transverse shaft 164. This has been effected byreason of the frictional contact between the opposing [frictionalsurfaces 161 and 117 which ultimately separate, allowing the fingers 160 to roll on their rounded corners 162. Thus the strut .action of thefinger begins to collapse allowing the pawl member 1131 to tip upwardlyon its fulcrums 147. This upward tipping of the front portion of thepawl member 131 is urged by the elastic cord 152.

As retraction continues, the pawl member 131 ultimately assumes theposition shown in FIG. 20. There the finger 160 has been shown aspivoted in a clockwise direction relative to the pawl member 13 1 aboutthe axis of transverse shaft 164 so as to permit pawl top edges 14 9 tocontact frame surfaces 117 and also to permit pawl heel edges 144 toengage the frame floor surface 137. In this position of the pawl member131, it Will be observed that the pawl abut-ment face 146 opposes anabutment face 134 on one of the ratchet teeth 133. Thus if furtherprotraction is attempted, these abutment faces 134 and 146 willabuttingly engage each other and prevent such further protraction.

On the other hand, the pawl member 131 is free to slide in the oppositedirection. This is permitted by the upper surface of the pawl top wall141 slidingly engaging and camming on the inclined cam faces 13-5 of theratchet teeth 133. Thus a ratcheting action takes place duringretraction of the strap 106 and associated pawl member 131 but thismember and the ratchet teeth operatively engage each other to preventreverse relative movement between the pawl member and the teeth as wouldoccur during attempted protraction of the strap.

Assume now that the wearer wants to free himself from the safety belt.He therefore manually disconnects the buckle elements 107 and 108releasing the straps 106 and 106a so as to allow the same to be fullyretracted. What takes place then is depicted in FIG. 21 wherein the pawlmember 13 1 is shown as camrning or ratcheting on one of the teeth 133toward its starting position. Ultimately the top surface of the pawlmember will engage the ramp surface 136 leading to the depressedhorizontal surface 138 which will hold the pawl member down against thefloor surface 137. During such retraction and ratcheting action, thedeactivator fingers 160 ride along the under surfaces 117 of the housingframe, pivoting about the axis of transverse shaft 164 but never beingallowed to assume a position in which the finger edges 161 mengage theframe surfaces 117 until the pawl member approaches the fully retractedcondition for the strap 106. As such fully retracted position isapproached, the operative position of the deactivator fingers 160 willbe restored as depicted in FIG. 17 so that the strap 105 may beprotracted again during another cycle of operation.

It will be noted that in the linear type of structure shown in FIGS.12-21, the strap .106 is prevented from a second protraction following apartial retraction from any extent of first protraction. Thus themechanism is rendered operative at any place along the longitudinalextent of the linear structure.

FIGS. 22-26 The inventive restraint apparatus as illustrated in FIGS.2226 is embodied in another form of a linear type structure. Thestructure is represented generally by the numeral 180. The frame of thestructure is generally similar to that of the form shown in FIGS. 1221and therefore comprises a channel member indicated generally at 18 1,having a base portion 182 the upper flat surface of which is indicatedat 183, with transversely spaced upright integral flange or side wallportions 184. Each of these side walls 184 has at its upper end aninturned horizontal marginal flange 185. An inner cover 187 rests on theflanges 185 and has a depressed longitudinal central section 188 formedto provide a series of longitudinally spaced ratchet teeth 189. An outercover 190 is arranged above the inner cover 187. The flanges 185 andcovers 187 and 190 are joined together in any suitable manner.

One end of the channel member 181 is closed by an end wall 191. An endwall 192 closes the other end of the channel member. Adjacent the endwall 192 the frame of the linear structure [is provided with an opening193 in which is arranged a spool or guide roller 194 mounted forrotation about a horizontal transverse axle 195 suitably mounted on thestructure frame. A strap 1% is shown as passing around the spool 194 andat its inner end is connected to a pawl member represented generally bythe numeral 198.

The pawl member '198 and strap- 196 are constantly urged toward aretracted condition by an elastic shock cord 199 which passes around agrooved guide wheel or pulley 200 mounted for rotation about ahorizontal transverse pivot pin 201. This pin 201 is shown as journalledon the side walls of an open box-like bracket indicated generally at 202which is suitably attached to the end wall 191 as by screws one of whichis indicated at 206. The elastic cord 199 has an upper reach arranged inthe space between the covers 187 and 190 and the end of this cord remotefrom the pawl member 198 is suitably connected to the frame structure.

The pawl member 198 is identical in construction to the pawl member 131shown in FIGS. 1221 and hence a detailed description thereof will not berepeated. The strap 196 is similar to the strap 106 shown in FIGS.12-21. When in a starting position illustrated in FIG. 22, the pawlmember 198 abuts against the end wall portion 204 of the bracket 202.When at the opposite extent of its travel the pawl member 198 engages atransverse stop bar 205, as illustrated in FIG. 24.

The pawl member 198 carries a pair of transversely spaced deactivatorfingers 205 which functionally are the equivalent of the deactivatorfingers shown in FIGS. 12-21 but structurally different therefrom. Eachof the deactivator fingers 205 is shown as having a pair of edgesurfaces 206 and 207 arranged at about right angles to each other. Theend of the surface 206 remote from the end which has a juncture with thesurface 207 is shown as rounded as indicated at 208. The fingers 205 arefast to a transverse shaft or pivot pin 210 which has its ends shownjournalled in bearing holes provided in the pawl member 198. A wind-upspring 211 has its spiral convolutions surrounding the transverse shaft210 and the offset arm portions of this spring at opposite ends thereofare received in holes one of which indicated at 209 is provided in oneof the deactivator fingers 205 and the other of which holes is providedin the pawl member 198 adjacent the other of these deactivator fingers.The spring 211 is operative constantly to urge the deactivator fingers205 to the upright position shown in FIGS. 22 and 24 in which thisspring is unloaded. In other words, when the fingers 205 are in theposition shown in FIG. 23, they are urged by the spring 211 to pivot ina clockwise direction relative to the pawl member 193 about the axis oftransverse shaft 210; but when these fingers are in the position shownin FIG. 25, they are urged by the spring to pivot in a counterclockwisedirection. This pivotal urging is relatively minor as compared to thecounterclockwise pivotal urging of the pawl member 198 induced by theelastic cord 199.

When the pawl 198 is in the starting position depicted in FIG. 22 it isin a tipped condition in which its front is raised off the channel floorsurface 183, this tipped up condition being limited by the engagement ofthe top of the pawl member with a depressed horizontal surface 212 ofthe frame structure adjacent the bracket 202. Also, when in thisstarting position the deactivator fingers 205 extend upwardly severallyinto vertical slots 213 provided through the superposed parts 185, 187and 190.

When the pawl member 198 is in its extreme terminal positionrepresenting full protraction of the strap 196, as depicted in FIG. 24,the deactivator fingers 205 severally project upwardly into verticalslots 214 provided in the superposed parts 185, 187 and adjacent thestop bar 205.

Assuming the parts to be in the condition illustrated in FIG. 22 whichdepicts the fully retracted condition of the strap 196, as this strap isprotracted it pulls the pawl member 198 in a rightward direction. Thisultimately brings the rounded corners 208 on the deactivator fingers 205into contact with the opposing end walls of the slots 213. Suchengagement forces the fingers 205 to pivot in a counterclockwisedirection relative to the pawl member 198 about the axis of transverseshaft 210 so as to cam the finger surfaces 206 into contact with thecorresponding fiat under surfaces 215 of the inturned channel flanges185. This contact between the surfaces 205 and 215 forces the front endof the pawl member 198 downwardly so that the pawl member pivotsclockwise about its fulcrum 218, whereby the abutment end face 216 ofthe pawl member is held out of engagement with any of the abutment endfaces 217 of the ratchet teeth 189, as depicted in FIG. 23. In thismanner the strap 196 is permitted to be protracted.

Assume now that the strap 196 has been so protracted to the full extentpermitted, as depicted in FIG. 24. When the pawl member 198 is in theposition there shown, it will swing from the previous position shown inFIG. 23 in a counterclockwise direction about the fulcrum 218. At thesame time the deactivator fingers 205 pivot in a clockwise directionrelative to the pawl member 198 about the axis of transverse shaft 210to the position shown in FIG. 24 in which these fingers project upwardlyinto the slots 214.

If the strap 196 is now manually released so as to permit the elasticcord 199 to retract the pawl member 198 it will be seen that thesurfaces 207 on the deactivator fingers 205 will engage thecorresponding end walls of the slots 214 and cause further clockwisepivotal movement of these fingers. As the pawl member is being retractedthe finger surfaces 207 will be cammed into sliding engagement with theframe surfaces 215, as depicted in FIG. 25. This allows the pawl member198 to slide over the teeth 189 during retraction but yet be able toprevent reverse relative movement between the pawl member and the frameas would be occasioned if the strap 196 were attempted to be protracteda second time. As the pawl member 198 slides over the teeth 189 thefingers 205 will pivot relative to the pawl member to maintain thesurfaces 207 and 215 in contact with each other.

It will further be seen that as the pawl member 198 approaches a fullyretracted condition, the deactivator fingers 205 will be broughtopposite the slots 213, permitting these fingers to project upwardlyinto these slots and thereby be returned to a position in which they areready to be operative during a subsequent protraction of the strap 196.

Thus the slots 214 cooperating with the fingers 205 are effective torender these fingers inoperative or to deactivate the same, whereas theslots 213 are effective to reactivate the fingers or restore them to apreparatory operative position.

With the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 22-26 it will be notedthat the strap 196 must be fully protracted before some retractionoccurs in order to render the oneway stop means operative to preventsubsequent protraction of the strap, unless the strap is first fullyretracted. This is in contrast to the form of the invention shown inFIGS. 12-21 in which the one-way stop means can be rendered opera-tiveafter partial retraction following any amount of initial protraction.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the various embodimentsillustrated and described accomplish the stated objects of theinvention. Inasmuch as further modifications and changes in theseillustrated embodiments may occur to those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present invention, these embodimentsare intended to be illustrative and not limitative of the invention thescope of which is to be measured by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In restraint apparatus, the combination comprising a toothed ratchetmember having alternately disposed abutment and cam faces, a fulcrumedpawl member having an abutment face adapted to engage abuttingly one ofsaid ratchet abutmentfaces to prevent relative movement between saidmembers only in one direction, said pawl member also having a cam faceadapted to slide'on said ratchet cam faces to permit relative movementbetween said members in an opposite direction, a protractile andretractile restraining element constrained to move with one of saidmembers which are arranged so that when engaging each other theaforesaid abutting engagement between said pawl and ratchet abutmentfaces is effective to prevent protraction of said element but theaforesaid sliding engagement between said pawl and ratchet cam faces iseffective to permit retraction of said element, means constantly urgingsaid element toward retraction, cam means engaging said pawl memberautomatically to fulcrum the same out of engagement with said ratchetmember as said element approaches substantially full retraction, andmeans separate from said cam means to hold said members out ofengagement during protraction of said element following each suchsubstantially full retraction.

2. In restraint apparatus, the combination comprising a protractile andretractile restraining element, an elongated housing therefor having aplurality of ratchet teeth spaced longitudinally of said housing, a pawlmember slidable longitudinally within said housing and engageable anddisengageable with said teeth and constrained to move with said element,said pawl member when engaging said teeth being operative to preventprotraction of said element and to permit retraction of said element,means constantly urging said element toward retraction, and deactivatormeans arranged to hold said pawl member out of engagement with saidteeth during protraction of said element following each substantiallyfull retraction thereof.

3. In restraining apparatus, the combination comprising an elongatedhousing having a plurality of ratchet teeth spaced longitudinallythereof, a pawl member slidable longitudinally within said housing andengageable and disengageable with said teeth, a protractile andretractile restraining element connected to said pawl memher, said pawlmember when engaging said teeth being operative to prevent protractionof said element and to permit retraction of said element; meansconstantly biasing said element toward full retraction, and adeactivator finger member pivotally mounted on said pawl member andbearing against said housing so as to assume an operative position inwhich said finger member acts as a strut effective to hold said pawlmember out of engagement with said teeth during starting protraction ofsaid element but being caused by subsequent partial retraction of saidelement to pivot to an inoperative position in which said pawl member isreleased for engagement with said teeth.

4. In restraining apparatus, the combination comprising an elongatedhousing having a plurality of ratchet teeth spaced longitudinallythereof, a pawl member slidable longitudinally within said housing andengageable and disengageable with said teeth, a protractile andretractile restraining element connected to said pawl member, said pawlmember when engaging said teeth being operative to prevent protractionof said element and to permit retraction of said element, meansconstantly biasing said element toward full retraction, a deactivatorfinger member pivotally mounted on said pawl member and bearing againstsaid housing so as to'assume an operative position in which said fingermember acts as a strut effective to hold said pawl member out ofengagement with said teeth during starting protraction of said elementbut being caused by subsequent partial retraction of said elementtopivot to an inoperative position in which said pawl'member is releasedfor engagement with said teeth, and reactivator means for pivoting saidfinger member from its said inoperative position to its said operativeposition as said element approaches full retraction.

5. In restraining apparatus, the combination comprising an elongatedhousing having a plurality of ratchet teeth spaced longitudinallythereof, a pawl member slid able longitudinally within said housing andengageable and disengagable with said teeth, a protractile andretractile restraining element connected to said pawl member, said pawlmember when engaging said teeth being operative to prevent protractionof said element and to permit retraction of said element, meansconstantly biasing said element toward full retraction, a deactivatorfinger member pivotally mounted on said pawl member and bearing againstsaid housing so as to assume an operative position in which said fingermember acts as a strut effective to hold said pawl member out ofengagement with said teeth during starting protraction of said elementbut being caused by subsequent partial retraction of said elementoccurring at any extent of said starting protraction of said element topivot to an inoperative position in which said pawl member is releasedfor engagement with said teeth, and reactivator means for effectingpivotal movement of said finger member from its said inoperativeposition to its said operative position as said element approaches fullretraction.

6. In restraining apparatus, the combination comprising an elongatedhousing having a plurality of ratchet teeth spaced longitudinallythereof, a pawl member slidable longitudinally within said housing andengageable and disengageable with said teeth, a protra-ctile andretractile restraining element connected to said pawl member, said pawlmember when engaging said teeth being operative to prevent protractionof said element and to permit retraction of said element, meansconstantly biasing said element toward full retraction, a deactivatorfinger member pivotally mounted on said pawl member and bearing againstsaid housing so as to assume an operative position in which said fingermember acts as a strut effective to hold said pawl member out ofengagement with said teeth during starting protraction of said element,means for effecting pivotal movement of said finger member from its saidoperative position to an inoperative position in which said pawl memberis released for engagement with said teeth as said element approachesfull protraction, and reactivator means for effecting pivotal movementof said finger member from its said inoperative position to its saidoperative position as said element approaches full retraction.

7. In restraint apparatus, the combination comprising a restrainingelement in a predetermined retracted condition from which it is adaptedto be protracted, means constantly urging said element towardretraction, de-

activatable stop means for preventing protraction of said element butinoperative when said element is in said condition, and deactivatormeans for said stop means operative when said element is in saidcondition to render said stop means inoperative and including a memberrequiring no manipulation to permit protraction of said element fromsaid condition but movable in response to partial retraction of saidelement following said protraction to render said stop means operative.

8. In restraint apparatus, the combination comprising a restrainingelement in a predetermined retracted condition from which it is adaptedto be protracted, means constantly urging said element towardretraction, deactivatable stop means for preventing protraction of saidelement but inoperative when said element is in said condition andincluding a movable lock member, and deactivator means for said stopmeans mounted on said lock member and movable in response to retractionof said element following protraction to render said stop meansoperative.

9. In restraint apparatus, the combination comprising a restrainingelement in a predetermined retracted condition from which it is adaptedto be protracted, means constantly urging said element towardretraction, deactivat-able stop means for preventing protraction of saidelement but allowing retraction of said element at all times,deactivator means operative to render said stop means inoperative whensaid element is protracted from said condition and rendered inoperativeby subsequent partial retraction of said element, and means arranged toreactivate said deactivator means as said element retracts to saidcondition.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,581,235 1/1952Broberg 74-17.5 X 2,892,351 6/1959 McCarty 74-175 2,979,282 4/1961Barecki 297-388 3,100,669 8/1963 Monroe 297-388 MILTON BUCHLER, PrimaryExaminer.

G. E. A. HALVOSA, Assistant Examiner.

7. IN RESTRAIN APPARATUS, THE COMBINATION COMPRISING A RESTRAININGELEMENT IN A PREDETERMINED RETRACTED CONDITION FROM WHICH IT IS ADAPTEDTO BE PROTRACTED, MEANS CONSTANTLY URGING SAID ELEMENT TOWARDRETRACTION, DEACTIVATABLE STOP MEANS FOR PREVENTING PROTRACTION OF SAIDELEMENT BUT INOPERATIVE WHEN SAID ELEMENT IS IN SAID CONDITION, ANDDEACTIVATOR MEANS FOR SAID STOP MEANS OPERATIVE WHEN SAID ELEMENT IS INSAID CONDITION TO RENDER SAID STOP MEANS INOPERATIVE AND INCLUDING AMEMBER REQUIRING NO MANIPULATION TO PERMIT PROTRACTION OF SAID ELEMENTFROM SAID CONDITION BUT MOVABLE IN RESPONSE TO PARTIAL RETRACTION OFSAID ELEMENT FOLLOWING SAID PROTRACTION TO RENDER SAID STOP MEANSOPERATIVE.